Clarice Price Thomas' collection is pretty and beautiful
Tell us about your jewellery collection and the inspiration behind it?
My debut collection allows you to catch a glimpse at what makes clocks tick and seemed fitting as my debut, as the daughter of a watch and clock maker. The inspiration stemmed from a fascination with horology and time keeping. I would spend hours as a young girl sat beside my Father watching him take watches apart and making them tick again and I thought it was magic. The beauty of horology has forever remained hidden within the cases of clocks and watches so with this collection I wanted to explore the parts, momentarily separating them from time to create pieces of jewellery.
Have you always been interested in jewellery design? What made you forge this career?
Jewellery design was an incredibly natural path for me to choose because of my upbringing. Of course I went through phases as a youngster where I wanted to be a vet and then an artist but I think Jewellery design was a far better choice. I absolutely LOVE my career and having my own business.
What sort of design training did you have?
I decided against studying at university and instead at the age of 18, I moved to London and was lucky to get some wonderful internships with various jewellery designers. I did a few short courses in jewellery design and making, but what was far more useful was who I met in the jewellery industry and how they helped me set up as a young creative business.
Where else do you look for inspiration?
I grew up in a large family with a love of antiques so that has always inspired my designs. I also love machinery, movements and mechanisms. I aim to combine this inspiration with an innovative and elegant design philosophy to create timeless modern heirlooms, which reflect my ethos of creating jewellery which is made to last and made to the finest quality.
Is there any other design area you would like to expand to?
For now, I want to focus on jewellery design but one day I’d love to look at other accessories. My younger sister is studying shoe design in London, so maybe one day we could collaborate together.
Which jewellery designers have influenced you?
I am constantly inspired by my friends who are also jewellery designers like Myia Bonner, Jessica de Lotz and Ros Millar. Like me, they aim to champion young British design.
What makes your line so special? Why should people be buying it?
I like to think that my collection is unique in that it combines traditional watch making techniques with an innovative take on jewellery design to create a beautiful amalgamation. This is a concept that I don’t think anyone has does before and one that I am very proud of. I aim to create beautifully crafted and high finish pieces of jewellery, which at the same time have an antique heirloom feel to them. People should check out my collection uniqueness and high quality. I hope that the style and design will stand the test of time and be cherished for many years.
Where would you like to take the collection? In terms of expanding and different lines?
I have had a wonderful response to the collection so far and in particular the engraved pieces. These have proved enormously popular for birthday, Christmas and especially Valentine’s presents. Currently you can choose between the following phrases- ‘A Moment in Time’, ‘Till the End of Time’ and ‘Time Never Stops’. I’m now looking into creating additional phrases and expanding on my fully customised and bespoke offering.
I’m also going to be offering a full range of colourful stones for this collection following lots of interest in red, green and blue stones.
In terms of future lines, I am currently working on a new collection, which will be launched in September this year so keep your eyes peeled for that! I can’t say any more at this stage!
Do you have a standout piece from the collection, something you love the most or means the most to you?
I always wear a set of stackable cog rings in various sizes and colours. They’re set with white sapphires and I find that it works really well mixing the metals. When you wear them together, the teeth entwine together and look really cute! I always find it hard to go out without my LOVE engraved necklace - it goes with everything I wear!
How would you describe your personal style?
I try not to follow fashion trends too much as I think there’s nothing better than when someone looks really unique and different. However, I’m a sucker for asking people in the street where they’ve bought things and then I’ll have to buy it myself too! I would say that my style is quite eclectic but I like to buy classic beautiful items that I know will last a long time in quality and style. My favourite new buy is a pair of Adidas high top bright raspberry pink trainers! They’re super comfortable when I need to run around the city picking up and dropping off things.
Where do you like to shop?
When I’ve got the money to treat myself I love to shop at Whistles, A.P.C, Paul & Joe and YMC but I do love the ease of buying online from ASOS or popping into Topshop on Oxford Street and having so many amazing clothes to choose from! On the weekends though, you can usually find me on Broadway Market and Brick Lane in East London, tucking into some street food and enjoying looking at a wonderful array of stalls selling handmade products.
Is there a new trend that you’re looking forward to trying this coming season?
I’ve been seeing a lot of graphic prints and bold colours popping up this year so I think that’s something I want to try out. Maybe it might inspire a new collection of jewellery! I’m also really excited to see the interest in Steampunk as a trend, something I think has been overlooked within the fashion and accessories industry over the past few years. My jewellery collection definitely has its roots in Steampunk so it will be great to see more spotlight thrown on its curiosities.